I have been a senior lecturer employed in the University sector since 1993. With a background as a practicing artist, published author I have over 20 years of teaching experience, with both national and international expertise within education and the arts. This profile has been recognised by The Surrey Institute of Art and Design and the University College for the Creative Arts, receiving Teaching Excellence Awards on six separate occasions. My work in learning and teaching at the University resulted in a UCA Teaching Fellowship.
I have an industry background in illustration, branding and packaging with a client list including Glaxo Smith Kline, Lloyds Bank and the Sunday Times. Having written widely on graphic design subjects including ‘The Encyclopaedia of Illustration Techniques’ and 'Creating a Brand Identity' I have also exhibited work nationally and internationally from the Mall Galleries in London to the Norsk Farmasihistorisk Museum Oslo.
My research practise explores Eastern cultural aesthetics and visual language. Over the last ten years I have undertaken research into the visual aesthetics of East Asia in particular Japan and China. The focus of this research has been to explore ‘languages without words,’ particularly the use of traditional symbolism in the design of graphics and packaging from these two cultures.
Recent projects include a body of work exploring Japanese calligraphy and the use of botanical symbolism in Japanese graphics. Outcomes include a collection of prints executed using a combination of eastern brush-work and calligraphy and traditional western print making techniques.
Catharine Slade-Brooking
